YPL Member Spotlight: Jennifer Grove

Jennifer Grove
Multi-Platform Producer,
WSB-TV Community Affairs

YPL: How has United Way and YPL helped you?
Jennifer: When I moved back to Georgia in late 2013, I wanted learn more about the challenges facing the Greater Atlanta community and volunteer to make an impact in those areas. I also wanted to be able to work alongside like-minded leaders in that effort. United Way and its YPL program was a one-stop-shop to tackle all three goals.

YPL: What do you think are your greatest professional accomplishments?
Jennifer: Being able to return to Atlanta to work for WSB-TV is a dream realized. It is rare to find a TV Station, and parent company like Cox Enterprises Inc., with such a long-standing Community Affairs commitment. Even more unique is its 30-year Family 2 Family project that partners with local nonprofits and cultural outlets so families can give back and also have great discounts to the arts.

YPL: Why do you choose to give to United Way?Jennifer: I choose to give because United Way has a hand on the pulse of our community in the areas of health, education, income, homelessness, and basic needs. UWGA offers a holistic way to impact the individual, the family, and communities all at once by partnering with local nonprofits already at work in those areas.

YPL: What’s your biggest concern within the community?Jennifer: I see great growth in Atlanta, but I also see places where there are growing divides. We must make sure the voices of our children, families living in poverty and otherwise underrepresented communities do not get drowned out in the noise of “progress”.

YPL: What would you tell someone who is considering joining YPL?Jennifer: If you’re “waiting on the world to change” as John Mayer once told us, this isn’t the group for you. If, however, you’re a leader who wants to positively impact your community’s future, I strongly urge you to join this growing group of change-agents in Atlanta.

YPL: What is your favorite YPL event or experience and why?Jennifer: The HoliDay of Service was my first experience with YPL and it remains my favorite annual event. Serving elbow to elbow with people who share your vision for a better Atlanta is inspiring and, honestly, just plain fun!

YPL: What are your hobbies/interests?Jennifer: I love to explore Atlanta and experience both the historic treasures and emerging restaurants and venues. Having grown up in Northwest Georgia, I also enjoy going OTP to visit family and getting lost in the great outdoors.

YPL: If you could speak with anyone past or living, who would it be?Jennifer: This one is hard for me, as my job has taught me everyone has a story worth hearing. Just last week I interviewed a three-year-old who is battling cancer. As I wrapped up my interviews with her parents, she brought them over some of her jellybeans to share. It was a simple, yet profound, reminder that there is always space to give to others even when we are in the midst of our own challenges.

YPL: Who in the world (past or living) do you most admire and why?Jennifer: Jocelyn Dorsey has been a voice for the community for more than 40 years. Working with her, I have heard stories of what it was like to work in Atlanta as the first African American news anchor, cover polarizing issues, and document the evolution of current Atlanta icons. Despite standing on the front-lines of coverage witnessing tragedy and challenges firsthand for more than four decades, she remains optimistic about the possibilities of our community’s future. And so I can’t help but do the same.